apples + cheese

Okay I admit it…

I was super skeptical of this whole apple-pie/cheddar combination for a loooong time, despite that fact that I LOVE both apple pie and cheese. Not to mention that I like apples and cheese together, ha. For some reason, putting cheddar in pie crust or something like that struck me as slightly not appealing. Despite all that, I’ve had that combination on the brainwaves for awhile now, and finally got around to trying it. Happy to report that I actually find it shockingly delicious, and will be happily making it again in the near future!

When I ate the crust of this by itself, it almost reminded me of a cracker, but in the beeeest way possible. Add in the filling and a little ice cream on the side (or not!), and we find ourselves an awesome dessert situation.

C was even skeptical of this one at first but is definitely a convert, so I consider it a win all around. I almost ALWAYS have sharp cheddar in the fridge (unless there has been some unforeseen terrible event that has arranged to leave me without cheese – travesty) and I also happened to have granny smiths on hand that had been hanging out for awhile – I was feeling like they needed to get used sooner rather than later.

Happy circumstances all around, since this thang came together in snap and was so so delicious and easy. Definitely recommend, if any of you are on the apple-cheddar-dessert fence.

Life lately has been a loooot of work deadlines, so my only exciting photos of late are from my walks to/from work – I love walking, since it seems like every time I go out I see something new! Or just some beautiful clouds. Either way, I’m a big fan.

Cable car underpinnings.

Plants taking a vacation in another window for a change of scenery.

Please excuse the slightly weird lighting in the galette photos… they look overly dramatic or something because of the time of day – I was off my normal photography routine but it was so good, I had to share.

Happy weekend, blog friends! I hope yours are restful and fun :)

Apple Cheddar Galette

Grain and gluten free, and refined sugar free. Slightly savory, slightly sweet and all around delicious. Great for breakfast on its own, or with ice cream for dessert. A Wait are Those Cookies original. Yield: 1 galette, serves several.

For the galette dough:

1.5 c almond flour (not meal; you want the finer flour variety)
1/2 c tapioca flour
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
5 tbsp unsalted butter, chopped (or ghee)
1 egg*
1/2 c sharp cheddar, grated

*alternately you can use a flax egg with very similar results (3tbsp water + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed)

In a food processor or high-power blender (I used a food processor), pulse almond flour, tapioca starch, salt, butter and cheddar to combine until it looks like coarse meal. Add in egg and pulse just until combined. Shape into a disk and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

For the filling:
4 granny smith apples, chopped into smallish pieces
zest and juice of two lemons
2 tbsp tapioca starch
pinch of sea salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon

In a large bowl, toss together apples, lemon zest and juice, tapioca, sea salt, almond and vanilla, maple and cinnamon.

Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, keeping the circle to about 1/4″ thickness. Peel off the top piece of parchment, and slide the rolled out dough on its parchment onto a baking sheet. Top with apples. Begin folding up the sides, creasing them together as you go – if the dough rips, that’s okay (you can crimp the cracks back together; remember: galettes are forgiving and rustic!); you can use the bottom piece of parchment to help fold up the sides.

Dot the apples with butter and sprinkle dough with a little coconut sugar. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden brown — mine came out just fine at 35 minutes, so check accordingly.

Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then carefully slide the whole galette onto a cooling rack to let it cool completely. Serve with your fave ice cream or whatever of choice! Keeps well covered in foil on the counter or in the fridge.